Eldest: Christopher Paolini

For those readers who liked Eragon, they will have no problem enjoying this intriguing sequel.  Paolini continues the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira, as well as the story of Eragon's cousin Roran and the people of his home village of Carvahall.  There is much that I could tell of the story if it wouldn't give away the plot of the whole inheritance cycle.  Let's just say that Paolini's writing gets better with each book and that the plot in this book is every bit as good as in Eragon.  Make sure that you have Brisingr (the third book) on hand after having read this one, because you won't be satisfied at the end.  Although, without even a title being announced for the fourth and final book, Brisingr will only prolong the excruciating and inevitable wait to know how it all ends.  Overall, Eldest is a very entertaining and engaging read.

Would I Read It Again?: Definitely

Grade: A
Content: Fantasy Violence and Some Mild Gore
Jeff's Recommended Age: 15+
Series Order:
     Eragon
     Eldest
     Brisingr
     Untitled (Coming Soon)

The Dark Is Rising: Susan Cooper

This series is a bit different from most.  It is a bit like the Chronicles of Narnia in that the main characters shift from book to book.  In book one of this series, we followed the first adventure of Simon, Jane, and Barny.  In the second book, however, we are treated to the story of Will Stanton.  This is the book upon which was based the movie The Seeker.  Will Stanton is indeed the seeker of the six signs of The Light.  Will learns that he is a member of an ancient race called the 'Old Ones'.  Those of this race are the advocates of the world and have always sought to further the agenda of The Light.  On his eleventh birthday, Will is thrust into the struggle between The Light and The Dark.  As the last of the Old Ones, it is Will's responsibility to seek and collect the six signs of The Light.  Obviously, The Dark does not want Will to find any of the signs as they realize that The Light would gain a tremendous advantage if they were to be found by the Seeker.  Very clean book and an enjoyable read.  Much more detailed, and much better, than the movie.  A good book for younger readers who like adventure stories.

Would I Read It Again?: Likely

Grade: B+
Content: Some Scary Sequences for Younger Readers
Jeff's Recommended Age: 12+
Series Order:
     Over Sea, Under Stone
     The Dark is Rising
     Greenwitch
     The Grey King
     Silver on the Tree

Skybreaker: Kenneth Oppel

Matt and Kate are back to their usual adventures in this sequel to Airborn.  During a near death experience, Matt sighted, and is therefore one of the few people who know the coordinates of, the lost airship Hyperion.  Rumored to be carrying the treasure of an eccentric scientist, the rush to claim the salvage begins.  Joined by others, Matt and Kate decide to go after Her themselves in a new class of airship capable of extreme altitudes.  Of course there are other groups eager to catch the Hyperion and the race becomes very dangerous.  This is a fairly intense book.  It is a great adventure and has some violence and mildly scary sequences for younger readers.  There are plenty of twists, and nothing works out the way one would assume.  A very fun read.

Would I Read It Again?: Definitely

Grade: A
Content: Some Violence
Jeff's Recommended Age: 12+
Series Order:
     Airborn
     Skybreaker
     Starclimber